Utahns gather at capitol to oppose Common Core

Utahns gather at capitol to oppose Common Core

SALT LAKE CITY – More than 100 people attended a meeting at the State Capitol Wednesday night to speak out against Common Core, which is an education standards program passed by the State School Board in 2010.

Organizers of the gathering said they want the program repealed, but lawmakers said that’s up to the school board rather than them.

Alisa Ellis of Utahns Against Common Core said the program takes control away from local educators and parents.

“With the standards comes an entire education reform package,” she said. “You have assessments and standards, data collection and turning around low performing schools, and when they’re all combined together it eliminates local control in education.”

Sen. Todd Weiler, R-District 23, said people with concerns should contact those with the most authority over the issue.

“Ultimately, I think people that are concerned about Common Core should contact their local and state school board representatives,” he said.

Some at the meeting requested that lawmakers withhold funding unless Common Core is repealed by the school board.